Archie entered Betty's office with a sheepish grin. He'd thought about calling ahead and asking her out for lunch, but he had the brilliant idea of surprising her with a picnic lunch in the park. It was by the sheer dumb luck that she wasn't out on assignment.
"Archie?" Betty looked up in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
"I thought you could use some fresh air, a nice lunch, and possibly a foot massage," he smiled, "Not to mention a couple of kisses."
Betty blushed at his words, "Archie!"
"Come on, Baby Mama, let's enjoy the nice fall weather while we still can," he held out a hand to her.
Betty smiled as she locked her computer and grabbed her bag, "I've got an hour, but then I have to get back to finish my story so it can be proofed before it goes to print."
"Yeah?" he raised a brow, "What's the article about?"
"It's actually an audition piece for a weekly column," she gave him an excited look, "It's basically a 'Dear Abby' thing. If it's good enough, my publisher thinks I might even be able to get it into syndication."
"That's amazing, Babe," he pecked at her lips.
"What about you? How's your day been so far?" Betty asked as they walked through the common area of the paper.
"Not bad," Archie nodded, "The project is nearly finished, and we were asked to put in a bid on a restaurant in Cherry Creek."
"Are you going to be okay with that?" Betty asked.
"There are other ways to get there besides the road Dad used," he reminded her.
"As long as you're okay," Betty smiled at him
"Yeah, I think so," he took her hand and led her to his waiting truck.
Betty stopped before she got in and took both his hands in hers, "I am so proud of you."
"It's just a job, Betts," he smiled.
"Yeah, but you're doing it on your own," Betty replied, "Not everyone can step in and fill their father's shoes, especially ones as big as your father's. From what I've heard from your crew, you're doing a fantastic job. You haven't had any downtime since we came home."
"Now that is not true," Archie gave her a grin, "I seem to remember an entire weekend of downtime spent with a certain blonde where we struggled to leave the hotel room even though we met some really great people."
Betty blushed as she glanced around to make sure no one was listening.
Betty gasped when a familiar face approached.
Archie heard the panicked tone and turned towards her gaze.
"Oh perfect," he muttered.
"Arch," Betty said quietly.
He got in front of her, blocking her from Louis as he approached.
"I have no business with you, Red," Louis glared at Archie, "I'm here to speak with my girlfriend."
"I think we've had this conversation before. You haven't been in the same room as her in more than six months," Archie replied, "You can't make the claim that she's your girlfriend, especially since I've been making that claim for several months."
"Listen, punk," Louis tried to shove him out of the way, "I need to have a few minutes with Elizabeth."
"No," Betty said quietly, "We're over. We were over a long time ago, but I guess your brain hasn't gotten the hint. Here it is in plain English: leave me alone."
"Look, Elizabeth, I was under a lot of pressure..." Louis stepped around Archie to address Betty. He stopped abruptly when he noticed Betty's pregnant belly. "You're pregnant!"
"Yes, I am," Betty rubbed at her stomach, "And no, it's not yours."
"What do you mean it's not mine?" he snarled, "Look at you. You look like you're ready to pop."
"I've got three more months actually," Betty continued rubbing her belly, feeling a bit self-conscious about her weight and appearance now that he'd drawn attention to it.
"You're lying," he said.
"No, I'm not," Betty opened her purse and handed him an envelope, "Here. We had a paternity test done even though the space of time between the last time I let you touch me, and the first time Archie did was enough of a margin for me to know he's the father. I knew you'd still be deluded enough to think it could be yours."
"You bitch," he opened up the envelope and read the results, "And what's to say that you didn't forge this document to throw me off?"
"I'm not that vindictive," she replied, "If the baby had been yours, I would have told you."
"Really?"
"Yes, really," Betty nodded, "We have no connection to one another. Leave me alone."
"No connection?" he sputtered, "You were my girlfriend for three years. I'd say that's a heck of a connection."
"I wasn't your girlfriend. I was your punching bag," she countered.
"Betty, do we have to discuss that now?" Louis motioned towards the unwanted witness hovering just over Betty's shoulder, ready to pounce if he took even a step closer.
"No, in fact we don't have to discuss anything ever again," Betty said, "You're violating the restraining order again. Go away before I call the police."
"I've been wanting to apologize," he stated, "I know I wasn't always the best boyfriend, but I was under so much pressure."
"I don't care. I don't want your apology, and I sure as heck don't want you."
"What do I have to do to get your forgiveness?" he asked, "I love you, Elizabeth. I want you back."
"First off, it's Betty. It's always been Betty. It's always going to be Betty. You're the only one who calls me Elizabeth, and I hated it the first time you called me it. I hate it even more now," Betty was finally standing her ground, "Secondly, you don't miss me. You miss having a silent little mouse on your arm that your daddy approved of. It's too bad your dad doesn't know what a psychopath you are, or maybe he already does. You get off on physically intimidating women. Well, that's not going to be me anymore."
"We were together for three years," Louis reminded her, "You can't just-"
"Yes, I can just end it. You don't get a say here. We're done. I want nothing to do with you. See this man here," Betty indicated Archie, "He's my boyfriend."
"You slut," Louis growled, "We weren't even broken up, and you went and spread your legs for someone else."
"Okay, you've gone too far," Archie pushed Louis away, "You know nothing of the history that Betty and I have."
"I don't care about the history you share," Louis growled.
"Do you care about the FBI?" Betty asked.
"What?" Louis stared at her.
"The FBI," Betty repeated.
"The FB - huh?" Louis raised a brow.
"I," Betty finished for him, "Apparently your daddy's name struck a chord with my stepfather. If I were you, I'd get out of town while you still have a chance."
"You're bluffing," Louis said.
"You remember my friend, Cheryl, right? I don't think you got her last name. It's Blossom."
"Wait, not that Blossom?" the color drained from Louis's face.
"Did I mention she and I are cousins?"
"I…uh, no, I don't think that was mentioned," Louis got all fidgety.
"She's a wonderful shot with her bow and arrow," Archie smiled.
"And she never liked you," Betty told him.
"Look, I don't care if you know Blossoms, Kennedys or the Queen of Sheba. None of that has any bearing on you and me," Louis insisted.
"Louis, I'm having a baby with another man," Betty cackled with laugher, "There is no you and me left. Even if Archie and I weren't together, you and I are over."
"I don't believe this baby belongs to another man," Louis said, "And I'm going to prove it's mine."
"Believe it," Archie said coldly.
"Yeah, like I'm going to take your word for it, you punk," Louis shoved Archie in the chest.
"Louis, I wouldn't do that if I were you," Betty warned.
"Stay out of this," Louis spat.
"Arch, don't," Betty tried to keep her boyfriend's temper from flaring.
"I said to stay out of this," Louis shoved at her shoulder, not enough to do any damage, but enough that Archie could no longer contain his rage. Louis never saw the punch to the jaw coming. He went down in a heap.
Archie stood over Louis, practically daring him to get to his feet so he could finish what he started, while shaking out his throbbing hand.
"What the hell, man!" Louis snarled.
"Don't you ever touch her again," Archie snarled at him, "Go back to wherever you came from and stay there."
"You're going to pay for this," Louis picked himself up off the ground and ran to his vehicle.
"Are you okay?" Betty asked.
"Are you okay?" Archie returned, his eyes full of panic and worry for her and the baby's safety.
"Yeah, I'm totally fine," she assured him as she grasped his hand, "We'd better get your hand checked out by a doctor."
"It's fine," Archie shook his head.
"Don't pull the macho crap with me, Archie Andrews," Betty shook her head. "There's a clinic a few blocks from here."
"What about our picnic?" he asked.
"I think the mood for that has been sufficiently killed by my ex showing up," she gave him a stern look, "Come on, a quick x-ray. We can eat in the examine room as we wait for the results."
"So much for being romantic," Archie frowned.
"Tell you what," Betty said, "Tonight we can do a back porch picnic and watch the stars come out."
"I like that," he smiled.
"Hop in, Rocky," she fished his keys from his pocket, "I'll drive."
"Yes, Ma'am," Archie smiled, getting in.
After the x-ray came back negative for any breaks, Archie and Betty returned to work with the promise they would meet up at home for their picnic in the backyard.
Betty was making a noodle salad to add to the basket as Archie took a quick shower as he'd just gotten home from the job site. He'd been lucky his hand was only bruised. He wouldn't have felt good about having to take time off from his company, even though the punch had been quite satisfying.
Betty was just finishing up when she heard a knock on the front door. She went into the front hall and grabbed a bat from the hall closet before she got closer and called, "Who is it?"
"Betty? It's Tom Keller," the sheriff's familiar voice called.
Betty put the bat aside as she answered the door, "Sheriff Keller, is everything alright?"
"Yes, I had a talk with Archie about an hour ago. He said Louis tracked you down again?"
"Yeah, the second time's the charm," Betty frowned, "That's a second restraining order violation. That's bad for him, right?"
"Yes, it is," Tom confirmed.
"Do you want to come in? I really don't need the neighbors gossiping about me."
"Yeah, this will only take a couple of minutes anyways," he stepped into the house, "I'm assuming you wanted to press charges."
"Of course," Betty replied, "But it gets a bit sticky this time. Archie hit him. Couldn't Louis press charges against him?"
"Archie hit Louis?" Tom tried to look stern, but ended up looking amused.
"Yeah," Betty nodded, "It was to keep him from coming after me."
"I can work with that. He was defending you."
"Yeah, and Louis was shoving Archie and me. It was self-defense," Betty added, "I think the newspaper's parking lot has some high-tech cameras. They probably caught it all on tape. I can get you copies."
"Yeah, that would be helpful," Tom bobbed his head.
"I'll talk to security in the morning," Betty smiled. "Are you hungry? I just made some noodle salad."
"Uh, I could eat, but I really don't want to impose," Tom replied.
"Hey, Tom," Archie came down the stairs, "You should stay. We're going to grill some burgers, and we've got hot dogs we could throw on the grill too. Hey, Betty, put out the invite to all our family and friends. Barbeque in the Andrews' backyard."
"Yes, I love that idea," Betty pulled out her phone and fired off a bunch of texts. It felt like minutes later when their backyard was filled with all their family and friends, all bringing either a dish to share or meat to add to the grill.
"I hope you like strawberries, Cousin," Cheryl grinned. "We brought daiquiris, virgin for you, Toni, and anyone else who wants or has to be sober and loaded with rum for those who want to get drunk as skunks."
"Sounds good to me," Betty smiled.
"That should sufficiently tweak your sweet tooth for today," Archie teased her.
"And if that doesn't do it, I brought brownies," Sierra McCoy-Keller smiled, "Courtesy of the amazing bakery in Greendale."
"Keep those away from me," Betty replied, "I'll eat them all by myself if given a chance."
"I'll do my best," Sierra laughed.
"Hi, Sweetheart," Alice carried a bowl piled high with fruit salad, "Polly and the twins will be here soon. They're stopping at the store for coleslaw. FP will be here, too. He's just grabbing some soda."
"Wow, for short notice, this is a heck of a turn out," Betty noted.
"It's what neighbors should be doing," Alice replied, "It's been too long since we have."
"Hey, I've got rolls as requested," Jughead came through the door with the plastic bags he'd snagged from Pop's supply on his way over, "Something smells amazing."
"I think it's the burgers," Toni smiled.
"It's been forever since we've had a barbeque out here," Jughead noted, "Remember those barbeques Fred used to have every few weeks in the summer back when Mary was still around. Those were legendary."
"Oh my gosh," Betty smiled, "I've totally forgotten about those. They were so much fun."
Tom smiled, "I remember when you kids were about nine and we were all over when a very sudden storm came up on us."
Alice laughed, "Oh my God, we were all soaking wet. So was the kitchen floor. Didn't someone twist their ankle trying to break one of the kid's fall?"
"That would be me," Tom confirmed. "Ended up in the ER after the storm passed. Boss wasn't happy with me as I was supposed to be helping assess the storm damage around town."
"Cheryl, do you remember the one when we were eleven?" Betty asked. "It was one of the few times we got you to play a trick on Jason."
"What did you do?" Toni asked.
"We took fresh jalapenos and stuck them in Jason's burger," Cheryl laughed. "He got so mad at us."
"He was breathing fire for hours," Betty laughed along.
"Remember the one where we put the fake mouse in Reggie's hot dog bun?" Jughead asked.
"Oh, that was so gross," Betty cringed, "He threw up in the bushes. Who did that anyways? No one ever fessed up."
"That was all Archie," Jughead laughed.
"I don't know who was madder," Betty said, "Mary at Reggie for ruining her roses or Reggie at us for ruining his lunch."
"Definitely Mom," Archie laughed, "It ended up working out. Apparently it was good fertilizer."
"Ew!" Betty and Cheryl shrieked.
Toni smiled, "Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun."
"We did," Betty nodded, "It's so weird. You realize that in about twenty-five years, our kids will be telling stories like these?"
"With any luck," Archie kissed her temple.
"You'd better go man the grill," Betty shoved him towards where FP was standing, "FP likes his burgers well done, like charcoal bricks. I'm more of a medium well girl, so make me proud."
"On it," Archie jogged over to the grill and took the spatula away from FP and started flipping.
"This was a good idea," Jughead wrapped an arm around Betty's shoulders as he took a swig from his beer. "Thank you for including me."
"Hey, we're starting over again, right?" Betty smiled.
"Absolutely," Jughead nodded.
"You should invite Tabitha. If she's sticking around, she should get to know us."
"You don't mind?" he asked.
"No," Betty shook her head, "The few times I've talked to her, I've really liked her."
"Cool, I'll give her a call," Jughead smiled and darted over to a quiet corner of the yard while Betty found a seat next to her mom.
"How are you feeling, Sweetie?" Alice asked.
"Okay," Betty rubbed at her belly. She was finally starting to look pregnant as her belly began to swell. "Tired, but that seems to be a constant throughout the pregnancy."
"I fell asleep everywhere when I was pregnant with you," Alice smiled.
"Miles had to drive everywhere the last month I was pregnant with Josie," Sierra said. "I could barely keep my eyes open."
"Oh goodie, something to look forward to," Betty chuckled.
"Tom said you had a run in with your ex today," Sierra touched her knee sympathetically.
"Yeah," Betty sighed, "He could see I was pregnant and of course lost it. Doesn't want to believe the paternity results."
"Let me know if you need my help," Sierra offered, "I know Mary helped you with the restraining order, but I'll do whatever I can."
"Thanks, Mrs-"
"Betty, you're an adult," Sierra interrupted her, "Calling me Sierra is okay."
"Ok," Betty blushed, "Thank you, Sierra."
"Are you sure you're okay, Sweetheart?" Alice's face was awash with concern now that she knew what had happened earlier.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Betty assured her, "I'm more upset that he ruined a romantic moment Archie had planned. He stopped by my office to surprise me with a picnic lunch."
"Thankfully he was there when Louis approached you," Alice replied.
"Yeah, he got in between me and Louis," Betty replied, "Wouldn't let Louis get close to me. He got shoved a few times."
"Sounds like he got a good lick in too," Sierra smirked.
"Yeah, Louis went down in a heap," Betty giggled, "It was quite satisfying actually."
"That boy is more like Fred all the time," Alice looked to where Archie was standing with FP, "Fred would have loved all of this."
"Mom?" Betty could see her mother was getting a bit misty eyed.
"Just missing an old friend," Alice smiled, "I remember the first picnic he and Mary had after they moved in. You, Archie, and Jughead didn't separate for the entire day."
Betty smiled. She loved that the three of them had always had a close friendship, and she was even more thankful that they were getting back on track. "I'm glad that things haven't changed too much."
"Speaking of old friends, Josie sends her love and congratulations," Sierra said.
"How's she doing?" Betty smiled.
"She's doing great," Sierra beamed with motherly pride, "She's in New Orleans for a few months. She's got a regular gig at this great little jazz club. She might even turn it into a permanent gig. She says the owner is a sweetheart, and she wants us to come down soon to see her perform."
"You should go but wait for the heat wave to break down south. New Orleans turns into a sauna in the heat," Betty said. "I went during the summer after sophomore year with Polly and Mom. Polly was looking at colleges, and we decided to make it a girl's trip."
"I don't know if I've ever sweat so much in my entire life," Alice chimed in.
"Remember Polly almost passing out?" Betty shook her head.
"Oh, I remember," Alice nodded, "She was so dehydrated. We couldn't keep enough water in us."
"Wait a few months, got it," Sierra replied.
"But it is a beautiful city," Betty nodded. "Mom, do you still have that weird map you bought when we got there?"
"I might have given it to Polly, but I'm sure one of us still has it," Alice stated.
"And I still have that guidebook I bought somewhere, if you're interested," Betty nodded.
"I will let you know on both counts," Sierra smiled.
A short while later, the burgers and hot dogs were ready, and everyone piled their plates high with food.
"I think we're a hit, Babe," Archie brought her a plate along with one for himself and sat down.
"Yeah, it's a good turn out for a spur of the moment thing," she accepted the plate and plastic fork he offered, "We need to do this more often."
"Yeah, FP said the same thing," he replied, "Every couple of weeks maybe."
"I'm game," she smiled.
"We're doing s'mores after this, right?" Toni plopped herself down in the chair next to Betty as Cheryl handed her the plate of food, she'd insisted on carrying for her wife.
"Oh, yes," Betty bobbed her head eagerly, "You have the sweet tooth too?"
"Oh, it's horrible," Toni replied, "And it's getting worse as I get further into my pregnancy."
"She ate an entire bag of cookies last night," Cheryl smiled.
"I remember that phase," Polly said, "Speaking of cookies, I whipped up the peanut butter ones Grandma Cooper used to make. You remember those right, Betty?"
"Yeah, it was the only recipe she was able to master without making someone violently ill," Betty nodded.
"She couldn't be nearly as bad as my aunt, Victoria," Toni said.
"The last time anyone let Grandma Cooper cook Thanksgiving dinner, Grandpa ended up with food poisoning and spent the next week in the bathroom," Betty said.
"God, remember that awful tuna casserole she used to make," Polly made a disgusted face.
"Turned me off of tuna for life," Betty laughed.
"The mystery is solved," Archie chuckled, "I always wondered what turned you off to it."
"Dad swore up and down that she was an excellent cook once upon a time," Betty added, "I think his taste buds were dead. Those cookies were the only thing she ever made that we could actually eat."
"They only have four ingredients," Polly pointed out. "Even she couldn't screw them up."
Betty smiled and looked around at the pockets of people gathered together, chatting and laughing as they ate dinner, "This is so nice."
"Yeah," Polly agreed. "What even gave you the idea?"
"Tom was over to get our statement after our encounter with Louis, and the idea just came to us," Archie replied.
"That jerk just cannot take a hint, can he?" Polly frowned.
"Not so far," Betty shook her head, "But can we talk about anything but that?"
"Yeah, only positives tonight," Archie agreed.
"How'd things go with the remodel?" Polly asked him.
"Surprisingly smooth" Archie replied, "You never know what you might find with remodels, but we were lucky. I didn't altogether like cutting in line since we've got a lot of work coming our way. It was hard to turn down paying gigs, especially with a little one on the way."
"We would have been okay if he had to sleep in our room for a bit," Betty smiled. "I seem to recall a story about you sharing space with your folks for a few years while you lived with Mary's parents."
"It's probably why I was an only child," Archie snorted, "I couldn't believe it when we moved in here, and I got my own room. The best part was when I looked out my window. I got my own room and a best friend all in one day."
Betty smiled and kissed him lightly.
"Hey, no mushiness," Toni swatted at Betty's arm.
"Arch, are you going to grace us with a tune tonight around the fire?" Cheryl asked, "Betty said some guy offered you a record deal after some karaoke performance just off campus."
"It was just an inquiry," he shrugged, "I don't know if it would have gone anywhere, and I knew I had a sure thing here."
"In more ways than one," Polly murmured.
"Polly!" Betty threw a piece of bread at her sister.
Polly retaliated with a piece of her own.
"Do I have to separate you girls?" Alice approached as the two giggled like they did when they were kids.
"She started it," the two blondes said at the same time.
"Honestly," Alice shook her head in amusement as she returned to the 'adult' table.
"Hey guys," Jughead approached with a newly arrived Tabitha Tate, "Room for two more?"
"Absolutely," Toni patted the seat next to her, "I should warn you that a food fight might break out. The Cooper sisters are throwing things at each other."
"I don't think we've met," Polly turned towards the newcomer with an extended hand, "I'm Polly Cooper."
"Tabitha Tate," she smiled, "Pop Tate's granddaughter."
"It's good to meet you," Polly smiled, "Are you just here for the summer?"
"It's still up in the air at the moment," Tabitha replied, "I'm having a lot of fun working at the diner, and Pop isn't getting any younger."
"Unfortunately," Betty frowned.
Archie hooked an arm around Betty's neck and kissed the side of her head.
"I don't think I got a chance to tell you, but your wedding was beautiful," Tabitha said to Toni and Cheryl.
"Thank you," Toni and Cheryl spoke in unison.
"It was the perfect day that was a long time coming," Toni added.
"When is your baby due?" Tabitha asked.
"A few weeks before Christmas," Toni rubbed her belly, "My wife says that Blossom children like to take their time. She's betting we'll have a Christmas baby."
"And a few weeks into the new year," Betty rubbed her own growing belly.
"You must be so excited," Tabitha smiled, "Betty, Polly, and Cheryl are cousins, right?"
"Third cousins," Betty amended, "Something none of us knew for a very long time."
"Which is how I ended up with Jason," Polly said, "Cheryl's brother."
"Twin brother," Cheryl replied, "Sadly, he's gone."
"Right, Jug told me about that. I'm so sorry. I know it's been a few years, but hurt like that can take years to heal," Tabitha replied.
"Sounds like you have some experience," Betty stated.
"My dad was a firefighter," Tabitha said, "He died in the line of duty."
"Your dad was Terrence Tate?" Toni asked.
"How did you know that?" Tabitha looked surprised.
"I did my internship in the social services offices in Centerville," Toni explained, "People still talk about the people he saved that day."
"Yeah, he died a hero doing what he loved, but I still miss him like crazy," Tabitha replied.
"Having people around who care about you makes things a bit more bearable," Cheryl stated.
"It does," Tabitha nodded, "I had my mom and grandpa."
"Your grandfather is something of a legend in his own right around here," Jughead nodded.
"Don't I know it?" Tabitha smiled. "Everyone I serve has a great story to tell about him."
"He had every right to tell me and Polly that we weren't welcome in the diner after what our father did," Betty shook her head.
"Instead, he gives the twins a quarter each when we bring them in so they can play something on the jukebox," Polly nodded, "And he's always available for hugs and smiles when they're needed."
"He loves this town something fierce," Tabitha smiled, "After what happened in the diner, Mom tried to get him to sell the place and move to Centerville to live with us. He wanted none of it. He wanted Pop's to be a place where people could heal."
"It always was," Jughead said, looking over at his dad, "I think Pop was the one person who believed in second chances more than Archie's dad."
Betty looked at Archie who was smiling and nodding, agreeing with Jughead's statement.
"Archie, my dad always spoke highly of yours," Tabitha said. "I'm sorry I never got to meet him."
"Yeah, my dad was a good guy," Archie replied, "He's actually the inspiration for tonight's gathering. We used to do these all the time when we were younger."
"A tradition we're going to be restarting," Betty added, "You'll have to give me your phone number before you leave, so I can add you on to the cookout text chain."
"Yeah, I definitely will," Tabitha smiled.
"Maybe Pop can make it next time," Toni smiled.
"I'll try, but it's hard to get him away from the diner during business hours," Tabitha smiled. "Can you give me a rundown on who everyone is and their connections?"
"Sure," Cheryl nodded, "You already know that Betty, Polly, and I are cousins."
"Right," Tabitha nodded, "I also know that Jug and Betty used to date."
"Now we're step-siblings," Betty said, "Our parents are over there. Mom's the blonde. Her name is Alice."
"Sheriff Keller, obviously," Tabitha noted, "And Deputy Jones."
"We call him FP," Betty smiled, "He's Jug's dad, and my stepdad."
"The terrorizing twins are mine, Juniper and Dagwood," Polly noted.
"Next to Tom is his wife, Sierra," Betty added.
"Obviously you know Cheryl and I are married, but a lesser-known fact," Toni smirked, "Jug and I hooked up a bit in the early days."
"Really?" Tabitha raised a curious brow.
"Hook up is a relative term," Jughead replied.
"Nothing under the clothes," Toni smirked. "But I will admit he's a good kisser."
"I'll agree with that," Tabitha nodded. "It's funny that Jug and Betty used to date, and their parents ended up married to each other."
Betty nodded, "Jug, do you realize how close we came to legal incest, if not actual incest?"
"I try not to dwell on it."
"Worked out well for me," Archie hugged Betty close to him.
"Jug, Polly, JB, and I also share an older brother," Betty added, "We don't talk about Charles much."
"Oh, Jug told me about him," Tabitha replied.
"Of course, he did," Betty rolled her eyes in mild annoyance, "Jug, remember our conversation, okay?"
"When she says I told her, she means we had a conversation."
"What am I missing?" Archie looked between the two ex's.
"Remember when I said our messy family life isn't fodder for his creative pursuits," Betty reminded him.
"Ah, yes," Archie bobbed his head.
After everyone had finished their meals, the tables were cleaned, and the leftovers tucked in Archie and Betty's kitchen to feed them for the rest of the week.
FP and Archie restored the fire pit to its former glory as everyone pulled up chairs around it.
"Who brought the marshmallows?" Polly helped her children get their roasting sticks ready.
"We did," Toni produced a bag. "Here you go, June Bug."
"What do you say, Junie?" Alice prompted.
"Thank you, Aunt Toni."
"I assure you my motives were purely selfish," Toni winked at the young girl, "How about you toast one up good for me?"
"Okay," Juniper stepped closer to the fire and began toasting her marshmallow.
"How about we take a step back," Archie tugged the little girl away from the fire a bit and then helped her learn to perfectly toast a marshmallow, teaching her the ins and outs of toasting versus flat out flambeeing.
"Bet that tugs at the heart strings a bit," Cheryl whispered to her cousin as Juniper took a seat in Archie's lap as they worked on toasting the marshmallows for all the guests based on their preferences.
"Oh, you have no idea," Betty rubbed her belly, "Hormones surging into overdrive."
"You'll have to try for a girl next time," Cheryl said.
"Well, we did pick a name just in case," Betty nodded.
"Can I ask?"
"Alexis," Betty admitted, "We figured we could call her Ally."
"Ally Andrews," Cheryl nodded, "I like that."
"Do you guys have a girl's name?" Tabitha asked Toni.
Betty smirked slightly. She knew Cheryl and Toni were waiting until Toni gave birth to find out the sex, and it was driving Cheryl a bit batty to not know.
"Rose," Cheryl nodded, "After my nana. She practically raised me, as my parents were woefully deficient at raising children."
"She'd have loved that you'd choose to honor her with the namesake," Betty gave Cheryl a sideways squeeze.
"I know," Cheryl smiled, "Lots of sentimentality in our offspring's names."
"It's hard to avoid when we lost those closest to us," Betty replied.
"No tears," Cheryl shook her head, "This is a good night, and I know they're enjoying it right along with us, so no tears."
"Deal," Betty stepped behind Archie, sliding her arms around his neck in a loose hold, "I think Cher had the right idea before. Go get your guitar."
Archie coaxed Juniper from his lap and went into the house to grab his guitar while Juniper continued making the rounds around the fire so she could continue making marshmallows for the masses. All the adults were willing to indulge the young girl as she was so exuberant in making her offers, not to mention her results were quite tasty.
Archie returned to the bonfire and retook his seat next to Betty as he tuned the guitar a bit. "Any requests?"
"How about Can't Help Falling in Love?" Toni requested.
Betty snorted a little.
"It's a good song," Toni defended her choice.
"It is," Betty agreed, "It just makes me think of Kev's grandma."
"Why do you say that?" Toni asked as Archie started strumming out the first few notes of the song.
"Kev's grandma was the ultimate Elvis fan," Betty grinned.
"That's understating it," Jughead said, "She was obsessed."
"Remember the Whoopi pies?" Betty asked.
"The banana cookies with peanut butter filling," Cheryl nodded, "JJ loved them. I could never get Kevin to part with the recipe."
"And you never will," Betty replied, "He's got that thing locked in some vault somewhere."
"Family secret," Tom chimed in, "Not even Sierra has been privy to the recipe."
"But he did do me a solid when Jason died," Cheryl nodded, "He brought a platter of them to Thornhill. He left them in the kitchen with the cook and told her they were for me."
Tom smiled, "I remember driving him up there for that."
"There wasn't a lot that brought me comfort in those days," Cheryl admitted as Toni reached for her hand to offer comfort, "Those cookies helped more than almost anything else. Maybe next time I see Kev I should mention it."
"I think he'd like to hear it," Betty agreed.
Archie continued to strum the introduction to the song until the conversation shifted, "Anyone going to sing this, or am I on my own?"
"I know the words, but I'm more partial to Suspicious Minds," Betty smiled.
"Next time, Betts," Toni smiled. "Shall we, Ladies?"
Toni and Cheryl began singing the first few words, and soon Betty and Tabitha chimed in.
Archie smiled as Juniper tried to make up a dance to go along with the words. It turned out to look more like a hula than he was sure she intended.
FP tucked Alice in against him and smiled to himself remembering days from long ago while Sierra and Tom stood next to them, Tom singing softly into Sierra's ear, making her smile. Polly held Dagwood on her lap, letting herself drift slightly in memories.
As the song ended, Archie shifted to Betty's request for Suspicious Minds, much to her delight.
This time everyone sang along while Juniper and Dagwood chased fireflies in the yard.
As the fire died down, slowly the guests started to dwindle until it was just Betty, Archie, Toni, Cheryl, Jughead, and Tabitha.
Toni and Betty were clearly struggling to stay awake.
"I think we should get the pregnant twins to sleep," Cheryl said to Archie.
"Yeah," Archie set his guitar aside as he nudged his girlfriend, "Are you ready to turn in?"
"No," she shook her head slightly, "Having too much fun. We haven't done stuff all together since high school."
"How about we plan some more time together soon," he suggested.
"That sounds like fun," Jughead snorted sarcastically. Spending time with two pregnant couples was not high on his list of ways to spend time, especially after they cleaned out the attic weeks earlier.
"Didn't FP mention watching a movie with Mom tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Jughead looked perplexed by her reference, "Is there a point?"
"Remember the time we walked in on them watching The Graduate?" Betty asked.
"Never again," he groaned.
"So, you'll join us?" Archie asked.
"If I say no, I'm a schmuck, right?" he chuckled.
"Pretty much," Tabitha nodded, "I'd join you, but I promised I'd visit my mom this weekend."
"We'll make sure we all get together again when you get back," Betty assured her, pulling out a phone to get her phone number.
Archie stayed behind to make sure the fire was fully out as Betty walked everyone around the front of the house. There was the annoyance of the bodyguards nearby, but she did her best to ignore them. Hopefully soon they could go away.
"Good night, Cousin," Cheryl gave her a hug.
"Night, Cher. We'll see you this weekend."
"You absolutely will," Cheryl took Toni's hand and walked her to the car as Jughead walked Tabitha to hers.
Betty gave one last wave and then went into the house, locking the door behind her. She heard the back door shut and called out, "Everything extinguished?"
"Yep, including the energy of my baby's mama," Archie guided her up the stairs, "Get changed. I'll make sure everything is locked up and then join you."
"Don't make me wait too long," she smiled, "I need my Archie pillow to sleep."
"I won't," he assured her, leaning in for a quick kiss.
After making sure everything was locked up, he quickly joined Betty in bed.
TBC…